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Comment by squirrelicus | Hacker News Reader

I had diversity training once that didn't suck. The HR presenter opened by showing three slides with pictures and asking the question "is this a diverse group of people?" for each slide

Slide 1: a group of ~20 white males in suits together in times square

Slide 2: three Kenyan olympic medalists standing together in uniform

Slide 3: a stock photo with a dozen men and women of various races and dress talking in an office conference room

The HR person then said "The answer to all of these questions is 'Yes.' here at company we value the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of each and every one of our employees. We encourage all of you to offer your suggestions and feedback, and bring your unique perspective to bear in your work here."

I was blown away. Never once has HR made me feel more valued and empowered.

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I imagine this perspective is quite rare. Apple's VP of Inclusion and Diversity had to deliver a formal apology after the following similar remark:

"And I’ve often told people a story– there can be 12 white blue-eyed blonde men in a room and they are going to be diverse too because they’re going to bring a different life experience and life perspective to the conversation."

(https://beta.techcrunch.com/2017/10/13/apple-diversity-head-...)

She departed Apple soon after, though I don't have the evidence to make the stronger statement that she departed because of the remark.

The current generation of Americans tends to assign imaginary meanings to random dictionary words. Some clinicians might classify this as a sign of mental illness, but this is an unpopular enough opinion that few would venture to voice publicly.

It seems odd to me that you single out Americans here. Do you have no experience with any other group? I have observed Europeans do this as well.

I'm not American and have little contact with Americans outside of the people I work with. In my experience Americans have set the tone for the sort of behavior I've described in my previous comment, although it's by no means limited to just Americans. For example, there are definitely some Russians who broadcast loudly about "diversity" and "inclusiveness", but these people themselves cite American sources in their rhetoric, and they aren't seen as generally in agreement with the larger Russian culture.

> The current generation of Americans

Which generation would you be referring to? Boomers, X, Y, or Z - or some other defined generation?

That would be too bad if she got flak for that remark. It's a great point.

I'm surprised you appreciated it so much. To me it sounds like a classic education companies are doing in order to make people accept a workforce where cultural differences are quite big.

Personally I always worked better with people who are similar to me in behavior and attitude. It's always a challenge trying to work with people who are very different. I don't mean different race - I mean different personality to the degree that it's super annoying.

Because of unconscious bias, which you seem unwilling to attempt to change.

I appreciated it because it's correct and was willing to reject the pop cultural view that your value depends on your skin color rather than the content of your character.

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